Xenophon, although a somewhat younger contemporary of Thucydides, also experienced the war and the destruction of Athens. His writing, however, seems to come from an entirely different world. Xenophon is not concerned with the roots and causes of war or with philosophical reflection upon its effects. Rather he records a snapshot of life in "a cheerful place with many nice people in it and many agreeable ways of passing the time."

Xenophon records the events and conversations of a dinner party hosted and attended by ordinary people. The exceptions to the group of ordinary people were Xenophon and Socrates. It is an account of a relaxing and enjoyable event. At the beginning of the account of the party, Xenophon says he decided to write it because he thought it important to know how honorable and virtuous people spend their time.